Bob Beacham

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Name: Bob Beacham

Title: Contributing Writer

Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the Bob Vila team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.

Expertise and Experience

Bob spent many years working as an engineer. This gave him the opportunity to travel around Europe and the U.S., working with component suppliers to Aston Martin, Audi, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen. He also spent some time working on control systems for the aviation and petrochemical industries.

In his late 40s, Bob changed career paths. Since woodworking was one of his favorite hobbies, he decided to start his own woodshop. During this period, he remodeled an old rural farmhouse from the ground up with his wife—the first of two similar projects. As a result, he gained extensive experience with techniques and tools. The woodshop was hugely enjoyable, but not particularly lucrative. He supported his passion with consultancy work and began writing freelance articles about his experiences for several online publications. After 10 very enjoyable years, Bob closed the woodshop after relocating to his current home. The consultancy work and writing continues.

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NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | FRIDAY
The 9 Best Bathroom Heaters for a Warm and Cozy Space

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NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | FRIDAY
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A new wave of bidet toilet seat design is making these devices more popular than ever. While this type of intimate cleaning may never be the subject of dinner conversation, there are now ...

NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | FRIDAY
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Fireplace screens are an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone who has an open fire. They prevent sparks and embers from jumping out, potentially leaving unsightly burn marks on ...

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 | FRIDAY
Solved! What Is a Power Surge?

Q: I’m always reading scary stories about how sudden power surges can be strong enough to fry all the electrical devices in my house. But what is a power surge, and what kind of damage ca...

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 | FRIDAY
The Best Jackhammers of 2023

In the past, jackhammers were noisy, heavy tools operated mostly by professional road crews or demolition workers. Much has changed, and many of today’s jackhammers fall within the scope ...

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 | FRIDAY
The Best Garage Floor Coatings of 2023

A good garage floor coating offers several valuable benefits. It's particularly good at protecting a concrete floor, which otherwise can flake and crack. It makes it easier to clean. Some...

AUGUST 31, 2023 | THURSDAY
How to Install a Shade Sail

Shade sails have quickly become one of the most popular ways to create an open-air outdoor living space shaded from the sun. These durable fabric canopies are relatively inexpensive, avai...

AUGUST 31, 2023 | THURSDAY
The Best Cheap Home Generators of 2023

Buying a cheap home generator doesn’t have to require making compromises. In fact, there are surprisingly powerful models available for a modest investment. But what is meant by “cheap ho...

AUGUST 18, 2023 | FRIDAY
The Best LED Shop Lights of 2023

LED shop lights are widely regarded as the best option for several reasons. There is tremendous variety, so there’s something to suit workshops of all sizes and purposes. LED bulbs and ch...

JULY 31, 2023 | MONDAY
The Best Air Compressors for Home Garages of 2023

Those who have never owned an air compressor for home garage use might not realize the flexible uses the tool can provide. An air compressor can power a paint or varnish sprayer, an impac...